Youth is king . . .



The fairest Brady of them all ? . . . there's such a small window of time when everyone is in the prime of youth . . .

Fuel Primers . . .

You can see the bosses for these early heads (next to the intake) where they could tap into the intake port and inject fuel for cold-morning-start-ups . . . Most are not tapped.  But, I occasionally see some with plugs in there . . . Neato old stuff . . .

Motorcycles are very important . . .

. . . never underestimate this fact of life.

Buckle Up !

Make sure your knuckle is safe and strapped in . . . delivered to Minnesota Saturday.  He sure was a happy to see his baby - his eyes lit up like I was Santa or something????  I also attended the Harley-Davidson of Rochester Open House with Ted, Pat and family.  Sausages, meatballs, chicken, chili & crackers, cheese, cookies . . . beer, all good tidings and lots of happy customers.  First rate party it was . . . It somehow got me in the spirit (or should I say, spirits?)

Oh, if anyone in the area needs their cast aluminum welded - I know a guy who can do it Let me know and I'll get you in touch with him. 

You Tube Video of Jeff Wright @Yokohama

If you go to: 21st Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show (on You Tube) . . . maybe you can find the video of all the rods and bikes coming into the show hall.  You can see Jeff in his big, red shirt ride in.  I was really happy to see him ride in since he didn't really get much of a chance to test and tune before the shipper came to get his motorcycle for the show.  I know he worked really hard on it . . . and it was cool to see him roll on in . . . made me feel kinda happy for him. (and all the USA entrants).  I've heard it's an righteous event.

(Above: A special award Jeff created to present for his "build of choice" of the Yokohama Show 2012.)

Tech Tip

Always make sure all your gears fit the pinion before you install them in the cases.  I've found an abundance of aftermarket parts that run a bit out of tolerance.(what else is new?)  On early engines, these gears are designed to "float" on the shaft, with the movement of the flywheels on acceleration and deceleration.
Big Noot uses an "old donor pinion shaft" to apply valve lapping compound and work the gears off and on to give the gear ID the correct fit on the new shaft.  Why didn't I think of that????

Can we still get Twinkies?

Name that movie _______________________.

Gordy's other other '38 Knuckle

Looks real nice . . . cylinder heads by Lee's Speed Shop.
Nickle plated M5
4 Fins
61 Cubic Inches of Glory !

Panhead Performance ?

Panheads are for cruisin' . . . Sportsters are for racing !

No Way


15 years and 10,000 miles . . .




Big Noot's Panhead
Fixed the tranny leak (maybe? )
Adjusted the rear brake . . .
One new spoke . . .
New rear rubber & tube . . . balanced . . .
Dave T. helped out. . .
Where shall we go ????

The Story goes like this . . .

"Biker Bob" tried telling "Skid" that the 11mm X 2" belt was not the way to go . . . 
but, Skid just wouldn't listen.

Office Jobs . . .


Morehead, Springsteen and Roberts

 . . . and Miss Camel Pro Lynn Griffiths.

Dad & Kid . . . (guy trip)



















Not every ol' man with a son gets to do a real life road trip with his kid.  I try to do at least one a year.  His wife always lets him go . . . so, she must think I'm harmless????  When we travel (no "corporate chain" motels, food, etc)  All mom & pop local stuff.  We meet the greatest people and like to chat with the locals.  Arizona is a grand state.  The land of Buddy Stubbs.  Jerome, Arizona is a kick ass place.  Williams is cool too.  I met a bar-fly chic who graduated from Plainview, Minnesota High named "Cricket" . . . maybe Ted or Pat knows her? 

Loud, Louder, Loudest . . .



Last winter Jeremiah wanted me to listen to his pan/shovel and see if I could tell what was making noise.  The noise wasn't loud enough.  I couldn't tell where it was coming from (sounded just a bit loose).  I said it would have to get louder before I could pinpoint the problem.  Well, it got louder !   This engine had multiple problems . . . so he wants to strip off the shovel top - and restore it to full Panhead . . . ! 

To Jack (who's not good on his computer)

Dear Jack, 
    The Rear Chain Oiler can be shut off by bottoming out the screw.  You may also want to attach a short hose and plug the end, just in case of leakage.  Plug the Primary Oil Return.  The Crankcase Vent is where you plug in your fancy $75 Krank Vent (one-way valve).  Make certain you install the Krank Vent on the proper direction (as per our conversation). 

Don's Sporty

Ironhead Sportster Drag Bike !

Beware of Import Clutch Pushrods . . .




I scratched my head so much I had a raw spot and had to keep my hands in my pockets.  I could not figure out why my clutch pushrod was eating up between the adjusting screw and the rod (pressure plate side).  I took it to work and conducted a Rockwell Hardness Test (C-15) too soft.  So, we made a new one to the exact specs of the "import" rod I had - and heat treated the ends (C-50).  It did it again - not as bad since it was harder - but still not right.  Then with a keen eye, my buddy Bake noticed the throw-out bearing end of the rod was a bit too long and it was hitting the stationary (outside) portion on the throw-out bearing . . .(going thru too far) and locking up the rod when it should be spinning.  I didn't have a stock HD rod to compare - hell, I didn't know. 

NOTE: You can see on photos 2 and 3 the shorter rod should only fit into the movable side.  It was touching the stationary(notched) portion of the bearing previously.